AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), also known as Acadesine, is a synthetic nucleoside compound that functions as a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—a master cellular energy sensor often described as a "metabolic master switch" . Originally investigated for cardiac applications, AICAR gained widespread attention for its ability to mimic the effects of endurance exercise at the cellular level .
Key Specifications:
CAS Number: 2627-69-2
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
Molecular Weight: 258.23 g/mol
Synonyms: Acadesine, AICA-Riboside, NSC 105823
Purity: ≥98% (research grade)
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Solubility: Soluble in DMSO and water
Storage: Store at -20°C; protect from light and moisture
Mechanism of Action:
AICAR enters cells and is phosphorylated to form ZMP, an analog of AMP that activates AMPK without altering cellular energy charge . This triggers a cascade of metabolic effects:
AMPK activation: Mimics cellular energy stress, promoting catabolic pathways
Glucose uptake: Increases GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport in muscle cells
Fatty acid oxidation: Enhances mitochondrial fat burning
Mitochondrial biogenesis: Stimulates new mitochondria formation
Gene expression: Induces oxidative metabolic genes similar to exercise training
Key Research Applications:
| Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| Exercise Mimetic | Improves endurance in sedentary animals by 44% ; enhances running capacity |
| Metabolic Health | Type 2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake |
| Cardiovascular | Cardioprotection, ischemia-reperfusion injury |
| Neuroprotection | Brain health, neurodegenerative disease research |
| Muscle Health | Muscle metabolism, fiber type remodeling |
| Cancer Research | Inhibits proliferation in mantle cell lymphoma models |
| Inflammation | Osteoarthritis, macrophage metabolic reprogramming via SIK1 |
| Kidney Health | Acute kidney injury protection via AMPK-TXNIP-NLRP3 pathway |
Important Notice:
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN USE, THERAPEUTIC, OR DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS.
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